Chemical-based cleaners are full of harsh chemicals that can be bad for our bodies. While they may be cheap and they may do the trick, they put our health at risk. An alternative cleaning solution is baking soda. Baking soda is widely available and can be used as a homemade cleaner. Aside from removing odor, it is a mild abrasive that can remove stains.

Here are ten of the many cleaning uses of baking soda:

1. Grill Cleaner

Caked on tar on a barbecue grill is probably one of the hardest things to clean. Avoid putting something with petroleum or chemicals that could possibly go into the food you grill next time.

Baking soda to the rescue…

There are two ways to do this. First is to soak grates in vinegar, baking soda and water overnight to soften the tar and then rinse the next day. If time is of the essence then go to the next option. Sprinkle baking soda on the grates then scrub it down with scotch brite after a few minutes.

2. Remove Burned Residue from Cookware

Burned reside on a pan is another nearly impossible thing to clean with normal dishwashing soap. Try filling the pan with boiling water then add two tablespoons of baking soda. Once the water has cooled down, scrub the pan with a scourer. You can also make a paste using equal parts of baking soda and water and use this on the outer parts of the pan that have burn marks.

3. Clean Coffee Stains from Mugs or Carafes

If you are a coffee drinker, your kitchen probably has a stained mug or two. These can be eyesores when guests arrive. Clean them up with baking soda and hot water. Fill up your cups with boiling water, then add a tablespoon or two of baking soda. Wait for the water to cool down so the baking soda can work its magic. Then scrub.

4. Remove Odors and Stains from Plastic Containers

One of our go-to options for storing food is plastic container. These are cheap, light and space saving but when they gets stained, it is a pain to clean even with the most potent dishwashing detergents. Fill these stained containers with water and sprinkle some baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours and wash – the result should be a stain free odorless container.

5. Oven Cleaner

The oven is the last place you want to use chemicals that can either contaminate food or blow up the kitchen. To clean a dirty oven, sprinkle baking soda over the grates. To clean the sides and upper walls, make a paste from equal parts baking soda and water. Pour vinegar in a spray canister then liberally spray the areas coated with baking soda. Wait for 30 minutes and then scrub for the best results.

6. Dishwasher Cleaner

If you own a dishwasher remember to clean it once a month for sanitary purposes. You can use baking soda plus soapy water to clean parts like the filter and the drain area.

7. Clean Up Grease Spills

When you cook fried food, it is inevitable to have grease sprinkled all over the floor and counter top. Cleaning it with a damp rug won’t be enough. Try sprinkling baking soda over a sponge and use it to wipe the floor to absorb the greasy residue. Follow up with a damp towel.

8. Cut Through Perspiration Stains

Caked on perspiration stains are as tough as they come — no matter how long you scrub, it simply does not come off. You can buy a specialty cleaner like Grandma’s secret spot remover or opt for a cheaper alternative like using a baking soda scrub from 4 tablespoons sodium bicarbonate and water. Make sure to let the scrub sit for an hour before loading it in a washing machine.

9. Clean the Grout

That tough to clean grout has finally met its match – vinegar and baking soda. How do you do it? Sprinkle baking soda over grout lines – make sure it fills them up, don’t be afraid to use your fingers. Then follow up with a vinegar spray then let it sit for a few minutes.

10. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

An odorless option for cleaning a toilet bowl is baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on the bowl and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow up by spraying pure vinegar and then scrubbing the rinse. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell as it will dissipate after a few hours. Just make sure to leave the door open.

Baking soda isn’t limited to these uses. This infographic will serve as a guide to its other uses around the house and also for personal hygiene.

Author: Garrick Dee Tan